June 2013

Prez Sez:
Maryanna Quilty, Chapter President

The Kansas League of Women Voters held its Convention on April 27 in Overland Park, Kansas. About 90 people from eight out nine local leagues attended the one day event. The President of the League of Women Voters of the United States Elisabeth MacNamara was on hand to make several announcements concerning Kansas leagues. LWVUS officially recognized League of Women Voters of Leavenworth County as a new local league in Kansas. Ms. MacNamara also presented the League of Women Voters of Topeka-Shawnee County with the award for most  membership growth in 2012, which Marge Ahrens accepted for us. She also announced that Kansas League of Women Voters has been selected to be the first state in the nation to pilot the new Membership/Leadership Development Sustainability Program. More on that will be published later in the Voter. Delegates at Convention voted to adopt a two year state study on Hydraulic Frackering: Its impact on the environment. Watch the Voter for articles and speakers related to this study.

With regret, I announce the resignation of two League leaders who have contributed their time and passion to help the League of Women Voters Topeka Shawnee County further its mission to educate voters. For several years, Joe Sargent has been our eyes and ears at Topeka City Council meetings and wrote insightful, informative observations for the Voter. Bob Harder initiated and organized the student Mayoral elections in 1995 first at Scott then at Lowman Hill elementary schools. Thank you both for your dedication and service to this league.

Continue to look for the League of Women Voters on WIBW News at Four where we promote our upcoming events and projects. The dates we are on vary from month to month but we try to schedule our appearance no later than Wednesday before Tuesday Topics. Carol Jordan new Public Relations chair on the board, will be responsible for scheduling appearances on the show.

The League of Topeka Shawnee County continues to welcome new members each month and our attendance at Tuesday Topics has grown at least 50% the last year. With that in mind, we are again offering League School after Tuesday Topics beginning June 4. New League members as well as seasoned ones are invited to attend. Not only will attendees learn about the structure and function of the League of Women Voters but they will have the opportunity to share their expectations for League membership.

Finally a reminder that Tuesday Topics has moved to Westminister Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell, for June, July and August.

—Maryanna Quilty

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